Community talked of special needs programs

Officials share information

MOSES LAKE - Public officials and health and education specialists gathered at the 2008 Speak Up forum to discuss resources for special needs children Friday night in Moses Lake.

Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle-Elum, said oftentimes it's a struggle to get funding for developmental disability programs at the state level. In the 2008 supplemental budget, $1.8 million was secured to help special needs youth.

He urges parents of special needs children to attend hearings on legislation related to programs for people with developmental disabilities. Hinkle said oftentimes lawmakers must be educated by the parents so they understand what type of legislation should be passed.

Republican state governor candidate Dino Rossi was unable to attend the forum. Instead he made a personalized video presentation where he shared information about what he's done to prevent budget cuts from special needs programs at the state level.

Special education teacher Holly Haugen said it takes a community effort to ensure a special needs student is educated and cared for properly in the school system.

She said parents must be an advocate for their child to ensure their teachers are qualified. Haugen said many times substitute teachers and teachers with no special education background are teaching special education courses.

Moses Lake School District Special Services Director Trish Tracy shared information about what programs the school district offers to special needs youth.

She said there are programs focusing on life skills, behavior challenges, autism, job coaching and transition programs.

Tracy said some special needs students need assistance transitioning from youth to adulthood and help with learning about what kind of job they want.

She said there are programs where students are guided and make their own independent decisions.

Sen. Jan/a Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, said she encourages people to contact her about what she should do to help youth with developmental disabilities.

She said she voted to approve Kevin's Law.

The law allows for special needs students to walk with their graduating class during commencement programs.

Holmquist said a law was passed requiring schools to educate and have students participate in programs related to awareness of special needs students each October.

She said 13 percent of students in the state are special needs.

She said parents should contact Gov. Christine Gregoire to urge her to secure funding for special needs programs because she is preparing the state budget right now.

Grant County Commissioner LeRoy Allison said the Grant County Health District offers programs to help those with developmental disabilities.

Allison said he is proud of Project Search because he's seen immediate results. He said through the program, two people with developmental disabilities were hired to perform clerical work.

His eyes began to well and his voice broke when he spoke about how well the employees have learned and succeeded through the program.

"We will work to continue to provide excellent services," he said.